The Germans finally retreated once they heard
Johnson’s backup arriving, and Johnson passed
out from blood loss, pain, and pure exhaustion. He
sustained over 20 wounds, including a shattered
foot that had to be reconstructed with a metal plate,
and gunshot wounds to the head, arms, hands, and
even his lip. After the parade and congratulatory welcome-homes
faded, Johnson ran into several problems with getting
on military disability. He couldn’t hold a job because of
his injuries. He couldn’t take care of his family; His mar-
riage failed, and he passed away in his 30s. Henry John-
son was no more than another fallen veteran, and he
had barely been able to live life.
The French Army awarded both Roberts and John-
son the Croix du Guerre, which is France’s highest
military honor. As the entire force stood and con-
gratulated them, they were in awe. They were the
first American Privates to ever receive such a recog-
nition. When the unit returned back to New York, they
led a parade up Fifth Avenue, where Johnson sat in
a Cadillac, waving and smiling. The crowd went
berserk as he passed them by, shouting “Black
Death!” Henry Johnson now had a nickname. The
New York Times reported that “the Harlem Hellfight-
ers’ return home threw the population into hysterics.” Johnson was buried with full honor in the Arlington Na-
tional Cemetery. Theodore Roosevelt named Sgt. John-
son as being “one of the five bravest Americans to serve
in World War I.” In 1996, well after his death, people were
still recognizing Johnson’s efforts and undeniable brav-
ery; Former President Bill Clinton awarded the late sol-
dier with the Purple Heart. “The Army awarded him the
Distinguished Service Cross, which is the country’s 2 nd
highest military decoration.” Finally, on June 2, 2015,
Barack Obama held a ceremony in the White House,
and awarded Henry Johnson with the highest and most
prestigious decoration: the Medal of Honor.